For the Weak at Heart

"With a little imagination I can go anywhere."
-as heard while watching
the 2008 film
"Nim's Island"

In the New Scientist magazine there was an article written back in February 2009 about a chemical drink that breathes life into damaged hearts. I thought this was a good one to know about for those who are ‘weak at heart’.

The beginning of the article states:

After drinking a chemical dissolved in water, mice with damaged hearts turn from couch potatoes into treadmill tearaways, researchers say. The finding raises hopes that the same substance can invigorate patients weakened from heart attacks by increasing the supply of oxygen to damaged cardiac muscle.

Designed to make hemoglobin release more of its oxygen than normal, the drug, myo-inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP) boosted exercise levels in the ailing mice by 35% when given dissolved in water. When given by injection into the abdomen, exercise levels rose a massive 60%.

"ITPP doesn't deliver oxygen itself, but makes hemoglobin able to release a larger amount of oxygen to tissues," explains Jean-Marie Lehn of the University of Strasbourg in France.

Normally, he says, hemoglobin releases only 25% of its oxygen cargo during one circuit of the body. But when ITPP binds to hemoglobin, it releases 35% more than usual, boosting supplies of oxygen to tissues without people having to inhale any extra air.

To read further, simply CLICK on this link:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16564-chemical-drink-breathes-life-into-damaged-hearts.html

Twenty-five years ago today:

October 9, 1984
Tuesday

Work was slow. I did sell an RCF to an Orinda customer while Sue Leith was observing my call handling. That was a score!

I shared lunch with Bobbie Renbarger at Macy’s where I actually filled out an application for part-time employment. I am still considering the class at Stanford University. I will research the classes available at the end of this month when I have that free time.

Cycling lasted until 7PM tonight. It’s funny how I see a lot of the same athletes running when I go on my cycling adventure on a daily basis. They wave, smile, or just plain flaunt and choose not to look.

When I was home again the phone rang and it was ‘guess who’?
“I had to call you about this dream I had,” Chris Cordellos said.
“Oh yeah…tell me,” I said urgently.
“Well, my sister Paula was murdered and I was all worried because…well, you know how my sister isn’t really all together from when you saw her,” Chris explained.
“How terrible, yeah, go on.”
“Well the old lady Paula was living with called my mom to tell her that Paula was getting drugs from a black guy named Nigel and he was pimping for her. Then Paula called my mom to say she was living in a hotel and that the old lady she was living with turned out to be a lesbian!”

I was seriously beginning to feel that Chris was very confused after hearing this so-called ‘dream story’. Then he proceeded to say that his mom is confused and concerned about Paula.
“I wanted to ask your thoughts and opinions of Paula. Didn’t it seem like she was hiding something and just plain didn’t open up enough to us?” Chris asked.
“I was surprised about her behavior but I’ve never met her before,” I said.

“Well, I’ve been thinking of you more than I’d like to be. Grant is pissed because he says I am not into all of his wants. Grant got teed off when he saw that picture of you and that green Ferrari on my mirror,” Chris expressed excitedly.
I could only believe that he is asking for drama in his life. It beats me. Chris is still my friend now and I think he always will be. We didn’t say much after that.

I was hoping to receive a card or letter from Jim Koran today. There is always tomorrow.

I telephoned Bobbie and we gabbed about Macy’s. I gave the address to the Macy’s Personnel Department. I can tell she does not like the Business Office. Is it too difficult for her, or what? I needed to vent and gave Bobbie the short version of Chris calling and the ‘brief Paula dream story’.
“My source of pot is going to come through and we need to get together to smoke it through a pipe one evening,” Bobbie said.
That statement kind of blew me away. I acted like the pipe idea was a good idea and then gave her some selling pointers on Remote Call Forwarding. I find them easy to sell.

I telephoned Karyn Kossoff and she gave me some pointers on selling specific jacks and equipment.
“I got a letter from Joann in New York,” Karyn said.
We discussed going to the Hard Rock Café on October 19th, possibly Barnaby’s this Friday. This Friday is celebration time because Steve Bell and Lauri are leaving the office, transferring to other departments. I doubt if I will go due to having no real friends in that crowd (besides Karyn).

I hope my Bay Area Sperm Bank paycheck will be worthwhile. I need more appreciative pocket change.

Paloma returned my call.
“Monica is back from Paris. She is in Los Gatos with her sister,” Paloma said. I remembered Monica was the blond that was with her when we met last Halloween 1983.
“Why don’t we go out this Saturday night?” I asked.
“I have plans,” she said.
When I asked her what kind of plans she could not remember them at first! She was having a ‘boring’ birthday party for Mrs. Walsh’s niece. Mrs. Walsh is the lady she works for (in the Berkeley Hills) as an au pair.
“It’s too boring to invite you,” Paloma said.
How does she know I wouldn’t like it? I remained silent.
“Monica invited me to a party on Friday or Saturday but I’m not sure that I will go. I’ve been feeling, uhh…too tired. Call me tomorrow,” Paloma said.
She sounded too sincere to pass on.
“Okay, I’ll call you.”

Karyn is sincere, too. (Chris)…Paloma…Maria… (Jim)…who and when will one win my heart and body over?

I need to discuss my screenplay time with Karyn again. I would like to take time and seriously format an outline ‘the ideal screenplay’. God knows I have enough material in the back of my mind.

I just ate a Cup O’ Noodles for dinner. It was great, warmed me up. I forgot I had those emergency starvation items in my cupboard. I must start buying groceries and stop buying lunch so often. It will ensure the saving of some much needed bucks. That is definitely my current aim: saving cash!

Read More

Too Much Sugar

I remember a particular silence throughout the house that I thought of as a shade of grey.
-Morag Joss
“Half Broken Things”
Once again, the ‘Health & Wellness’ section of the Wall Street Journal captured me on August 25, 2009 with an article titled ‘Sweet Surrender: Sugar Curbs Urged’.

Rob Winslow and Shirley S. Wang wrote:

‘Most women should limit sugar intake to 100 calories, or six teaspoons, a day. Men should limit their consumption to 150 calories. That won’t be easy. A 12-ounce can of cola has 130 calories, or eight teaspoons.’

I say, “Avoid sugar whenever possible. And don’t even drink soft-drinks!”

The American Heart Association made a statement on August 24, 2009 that Americans must avoid ‘added sugars’. Foods that add sugar during manufacturing contribute to the higher risk of such problems as diabetes, cardiovascular disease among the overweight and obese.

I actually found 146 reasons why sugar is ruining your health. Check it out:
http://rheumatic.org/sugar.htm
PRINT it and post it on your refrigerator door.

Lick the sugar habit!

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 4, 1984
Tuesday

I went through my regular drab day of training and looked forward to going home to entertain my guests. I also wanted to make sure that the English guests had not skipped town and ‘ripped me off’. Am I being too trustworthy?

I had pizza for lunch with Barbara Reynolds. We pitched in for a carrot cake for Kent Wood’s birthday. He’s a strange one. He has a pot belly. He’s married and yet his voice comes across as sounding like a woman. When we worked in Oakland I would often get customers asking for Mrs. Wood and they didn’t believe me when I said, “You mean, Mr. Wood”.

At dinnertime I treated the damn English fellows to the Casa Maria. Their obnoxious kidding around was getting on my nerves. It was like dining with seven year old children. Brenda Halverson, the cute blond in line at the Ole’s Waffle Shop the other day was our waitress. I learned that she is from Alameda. She graduated the same year as Sherri Lewis and Linda Nannizzi (small world).

Karyn Kossoff called and I told her that Wayne and Paul were staying here for a few days. She was surprised.
“I think you’re overdoing it and they are definitely overstaying their welcome,” Karyn said.
“You are probably right,” I said. It’s just that my heart could not be rude to them.

Karyn was telling me that Eileen had talked to her today about the adventure she had with Wayne the other night. As she was speaking to me Wayne flashed his tattoo at me (it was on his right or left ‘ass cheek’—I don’t remember which side). It was a heart. Was he trying to entice me with subliminal messages?

I turned in early.

Read More

The Early Dairy Days

“When I’m unable to accept you as you are, I’ll let you know.”
-Nial Kent
“The Divided Path”
Milk and dairy products were not always a part of the human diet. It is believed that the sour forms of milk (cheese, yogurt, etc.) had made a major difference in the life of the early Neolithic man. These dairy products provided all-season, high quality food that sustained man when the growing ‘in the fields’ season was over. Man could no longer collect leaves, berries in the cold winter months when game was scarce. Today, we have the option of avoiding dairy products as much as possible.

The first known goats were domesticated around 7000 B.C. in Iran, and cattle a little later, around 6000 B.C. in Greece. It is not certain when humans first started milking their domesticated animals. One of the earliest milking scenes in existence today, which shows a goat being milked, is on an Elamite seal from 2500 B.C.

It is all relative but human beings need to reconsider their intake of too much dairy.

Here is an interesting factoid that I found recently:

There is the question of whether milk, in its fresh form, is a suitable food either for adults or, in large quantities, for children. The reason for this doubt lies in the belief that milk protein requires too many pancreatic enzymes for digestion, and therefore places a heavy demand on a possibly already overworked system. Further, milk is thought to be mucus-forming, and there are also the problems arising from lactose intolerance and allergies. Many peoples, such as the Chinese and the Maoris, traditionally do not use dairy products, and still maintain themselves in good health.
—Source: The People’s Alamanac on “The History of Dairy Products”

It just goes to show you. Once again one must remember to practice ‘most everything’ in moderation.

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 30, 1984
Thursday

I am so glad it is Friday tomorrow. I completed my role plays. I feel I did exceptionally well. I still know I will be critiqued to the max for something or another tomorrow. Yuck! Good thing there is a three-day weekend ahead.

Barbara Reynolds, Bobbie Renbarger and I went to the Emporium basement for macaroni and potato salad. These two are so sweet. I love them.

After work I came home to change and then went over to see mom. She was there with Janet Lewis (Sherri’s mom), Ashley and Dad. Tony was just about to leave. I remained there and enjoyed some fresh corn on the cob while watching a bit of television with mom and Ashley.

Before long I was back at my home, calling Mrs. Cordellos.
“I still haven’t heard from Chris. I am sure he is still in Sonoma. He has a lot of pals from school there you know, so they probably kidnapped him,” Mrs. Cordellos said with a bit of a laugh.
It kind of gets me down because he doesn’t even call me. I wonder.

I am ready to call Bobbie Renbarger again because we had such a good talk yesterday. She opened my eyes to seriously consider ‘flaking off’ Pacific Bell and consider my very own business. I do want and yearn it. It is the connections and funds that hinder me. I need to make a list if I really want a specialty clothing store for men and greeting cards galore. I think that would be an enjoyable business. I would love to have really unique clothing that catches the eye.

Bobbie’s not at home, so I could not discuss any ideas. I left a message on her recorder. Bobbie thought the shiny gray slacks I wore today looked like the ones Rob Lowe wore on “Oxford Blues”.
That was when I told her, “Next time I’ll wear jeans, a black t-shirt and shades to really depict him from that movie.”
She laughed. And I am laughing right now because that is what I am wearing this very minute: 501 jeans with a black t-shirt.

Read More

Food for your Brain

“Your mind is a powerful tool. Protect it.”
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season II

First, it’s important to remember that Water makes up 83% of the blood and acts as a transport system, delivering nutrients to the brain and eliminating toxins. Your brain needs to be fully hydrated so that the circuitry works well and it functions at optimum levels. Water is essential for concentration and mental alertness. Dehydration can cause a headache, and can lead to long-term neuronal damage sustained from elevated stress hormones.

Virginia Woolf, the English novelist and essayist said, "One cannot think well, love well or sleep well if one has not dined well."

A complete and balanced diet is sound advice, but some specific types of food are especially good for brain health. Besides ‘water’ here are four of the best choice BRAIN foods:

Fish: The original “brain food” contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids and fish oils, especially cold water fish like salmon and cod. Omega-3s are beneficial in a number of ways, including promoting neuronal growth, improved cholesterol, and fortification of myelin sheaths which facilitate communication between neurons.

Vegetables: This is a great source of antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment by diminishing oxidative stress. Spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower are among the top candidates.

Fruits: Like vegetables, fruits are rich in antioxidants. However, fruit tastes better. Some of your healthiest options are blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, avocados, oranges, red grapes, red bell peppers, cherries and kiwis. Read more about the amazing benefits of BLUEBERRIES:
http://www.blueberry.org/health.htm

Dark Chocolate: Last (and arguably least beneficial) is cocoa beans, which contain the flavanol epicatechin and antioxidants. Dark chocolate is best, and avoid candy bars with lots of added sugars. Also, recent research suggests that chocolate can improve memory.

Twenty-five years ago today:

July 17,1984
Tuesday

I went to a fashion show today in San Francisco (with Barbara Reynolds). There were all sorts of radical things going on at lunchtime near the Moscone Center. It was too wild for me. The fashion show was fun to watch. Once again, Barbara and I could not help but take an extended lunch.

Once I arrived home I did my bike routine from 6PM to 7:15PM.

I had fun making up my bed with my new sheets and comforter, too. I telephoned Sherri and she asked me to come over.
“John is putting up our new fan lamp and maybe you can help,” Sherri said.
“Sure, I’ll be right over,” I replied happily as the good samaratin neighbor and brother.
I stayed there a good while and decided to go to mom’s house to see what was in the fridge. As I was on my way to mom’s I noticed some young, mysterious preppy chap who rode by me on his bike. It’s still a mystery. Or is it just a fantasy and reality mix?

I do like Karyn Kossoff’s smile. It turns me on.
I am home now and I have the urge to ‘jump rope’ to QUAKE tunes, so that’s what I will do. I love jumping rope to songs like Joy Division (Love Will Tear Us Apart)
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=love+will+tear+us+apart&qs=n&docid=1019245035843&mid=FA678456E9349FC712EDFA678456E9349FC712ED&FORM=VIVR6#
and
The Cure (Boys Don’t Cry).
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=boys+don%27t+cry%2C+the+cure&qs=n&docid=803309944982&mid=C0792C9BC9B8A76C8E93C0792C9BC9B8A76C8E93&FORM=VIVR6#
PHOTO: The Cure, 1984

Read More

Tea for your Health

"It doesn't matter who you are.
It matters what you do."
-Irena's Vow

I rediscovered a place in Soho, New York City known as 'Sanctuary T'. They sell tea of all kinds. It's even a place for cocktails. I laughed when I saw their menu. Here are a few of the cocktails that caught my eye:

'Rise and Shine'-pear, green tea, and vodka
'Cava de Cama'-chamomile, elderflower, and cava
'Coral Reef'-passion fruit, tangerine, green tea, and tequila

Iced-Tea concoctions included the 'Geisha Beauty' or a 'Cup of Joy'. I don't know what tea is included in those but I'm sure it will cool you off and revitalize. I enjoyed the "Eight Treasures" cup of tea I had the other day. It's one of their most popular.

I read a book by Laura C Martin not so long ago called 'Tea-The Drink That Changed The World'. It's a great book for every personal library. Tea, in all its complexities, offers a simultaneous feeling of calm and alertness, of health and pleasure, It is no wonder these leaves, discovered in China so long ago, have changed the world.

Here are some valuable tips I took away from the book (including what teas to drink for specific ailments):

The BEST grade teas are thought to grow in only 5 countries:
Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, India and Japan.

WHITE TEAS:
Silver Needles, yin zhen (Fujian, China): light, slightly vegetal, exotic and expensive.
White Peony (China): light, clear brew, slightly grassy.

Less well-known is Pu-erh Tea of Yunnan, China. It is the only tea that actually improves with age.
A good Pu-erh tea has a clean and flowery taste.

BASIL: Good for keeping one alert. To combat the effects of motion sickness.

BLACKBERRY: To treat diarrhea and as a blood purifier and tonic

BLUEBERRY: To prevent the formation of kidney or bladder stones and to treat diarrhea and problems with the kidneys as it help to increase the flow of urine.

BORAGE: Borage tea was drunk by the ancient Romans to treat depression and as a diuretic, demulcent and emollient. A mild cucumber flavor and is high in calcium and potassium.

CATNIP: Catnip tea is best known as a digestive aid. It is also a very mild sedative and is good for drinking before going to bed.

CHAMOMILE: For skin disorders, such as acne and eczema. It’s flowery sweet taste makes it a popular tea.

CHICORY: A mild tonic and laxative.

ELDERBERRY: To treat migraine headaches

GINGER: To treat indigestion, flatulence, and motion sickness.

GINSENG: In China it was thought not only to prolong LIFE but also to cure an enormous number of ailments—and to be effective as an aphrodisiac.

LEMON BALM: Used against bacteria and viruses.

LICORICE: Used in Europe to treat infections, canker sores, colic, hepatitis, and epilepsy. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used as a demulcent to treat digestive and urinary disorders, as well as coughs and sore throats. It is an anti-inflammatory and the tisane is often taken to relieve pain from arthritis.

LINDED: For improving circulation, relieving tension, and aiding digestion.

MINT: Mint tea, almost all experts agree helps in treating indigestion, flatulence, and colic. To treat muscle spasms and menstrual cramps and is used externally on insect bites and chapped skin.

PASSION FLOWER: This has a slightly narcotic effect, and has been used to treat insomnia, muscle spasms and tension.

RASPBERRY: In Chinese medicine, raspberries and raspberry leaf tisane are used to strengthen the kidneys.

ROSE: Rose hips are extremely high in Vitamin C and in Vitamins A, B and E.

BREAKFAST & EARL GREY: Both teas are good for an early start on the day.

AFTERNOON: Special occasion, you might serve a special WHITE tea such as Silver Needles or White Peony.

All tea contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, but high quality GREEN & WHITE teas have them in greater concentrations.

Tea is thought to increase the good HDL cholesterol and lower the bad LDL cholesterol.

The health benefits of green tea offer positive results.

The Wellness Letter, a UC Berkeley newsletter, said in a March 2000 article, “Think of it (GREEN TEA) as a back-up to a healthy diet and an adjunct to regular exercise and other good health habits—not as a miraculous potion that will keep you well all by itself.”

Face it, we need more TEA in our life.

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 6, 1984
Sunday

This morning I awoke and asked mom for any remaining gossip from the Baby Shower Event that I didn't know about. There wasn't much more news that I didn't already know.

I telephoned Gray this morning about a bicycle outing. He had other plans.

I accompanied mom to Grandma's house to deliver some food and pans. My cousin, Sandy was there to show off her new Camaro Z28. It was fairly impressive.

When I arrived home at 11:30am I took my bike out for a ride until 2:30pm. I returned home for some fruit punch (leftover from the Baby Shower). It was cool and refreshing after my bike ride.

Helen and Tony stopped by and they made an activity of changing the oil in Helen's car on this relaxing Sunday.

I napped until 4PM while mom went shopping. I telephoned Sue Miller about a bike outing but she was studying.

I went biking alone again. This time I met Ron, that blond fellow I always see in the South Shoreline neighborhood. Ron is an avid wind surfer. He was packing everything up when I bumped into him. I felt brave and decided to just go up and talk to him about the 'wind surfing' sport. He got all excited about talking about wind surfing.

Ron is a nice guy. I felt so courageous, parking my bike and just going up to him to chat. He's a 'pretty cool' chap.
"Yeah, I have a 'sort of' girlfriend and there are some real good lookers who come out here during the summer," Ron made a point of mentioning.
I laughed.
We didn't make any definitive commitment for anything (such as biking or wind surfing). We just closed with the mutual macho line.
"See ya around."

When I returned to my folks' house 'Pop' was in a raunchy mood. He eventually calmed down a bit.

I saw the neatest set up for furniture idea in the latest Speigel magazine.

I showered and watched 'The Last Days of Pompeii' (or at least a part of it) until I decided to go "beddie-bye".

Read More

The New Entrepreneur

"As an entrepreneur, you have to get used to failure.
It is just part of the path to success."
-Mark Pincus,
Founder of Tribe.net
and Zynga, a San Francisco based
company that develops online games

Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself. Life is fully of setback. Success is determined by how you handle them.

Write down your short and long term goals four times a year. Two personal, two business and one health goal. A study at Yale University found that only 3% of the students had written goals. Twenty years later, the same 3% were wealthier and healthier than the other 97% combined.

I clipped and saved an article in the Small Business "The Journal Report" back on February 23, 2009 that was written by Kelly K. Spors as a reference for inspiring 'The New Entrepreneur'.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123498006564714189.html
The economic atmosphere today requires a new entrepreneur to answer these questions to see if you have what it takes. I have condensed some of the key advice from the Spors' article (with the inclusion of some great supplemental books):

1. Are you willing and able to bear great financial risk?
Roughly half of all start-ups close within five years, so you must be realistic about the financial risks that come with owning a business. Don't assume you'll be able to lower your risk substantially by finding investors.

2. Are you willing to sacrifice your lifestyle for potentially many years?
If you are used to steady paychecks, four weeks' paid vacation and employer-sponsored health benefits, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise.

3. Is your significant other on board?
Don't ignore the toll running a business will take on your loved ones. Failed ventures frequently break up marriages because entrepreneurs devote so much time and money to the business.

4. Do you like all aspects of running a business?
In the early stages of a business, founders are often expected to handle 'everything' (from billing customers, hiring employees to writing marketing materials).

5. Are you comfortable making decisions on the fly with no playbook?
A book that lays out the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is written by Bill Wagner called "The Entrepreneur Next Door". Find a copy immediately!

6. What’s your track record of executing your ideas?
The ability to implement ideas is one of the biggest differences that will lead one to success.

7. How persuasive and well-spoken are you?
You must always be selling your mission and vision.

8. Do you have a concept you’re passionate about?
You must be eager and exuberant about running your business.

9. Are you a self-starter?
John Gartner, an assistant clinical psychiatry professor at John Hopkins University has written a book called "The Hypomaniac Edge".
It theorizes the many well-known entrepreneurs that have a temperament called hypomania. They are highly creative, energetic, impatient and very persistent.

10. Do you have a business partner?
If you don't have all the traits to run the show find a partner who compensates your shortcomings. Choosing a partner is not a light decision. Spend several days hashing out the specifics to make sure you are both on the same page.

Jon Gillespie-Brown seems to have taken notice of the article by Kelly K. Spors as well. Jon is a published Author, Lecturer, Founder/CEO and Mentor on Entrepreneurship. He currently mentors at Stanford, UC Berkeley and the London Business School. He recently wrote about liking the article as much as I did.
http://www.tobeanentrepreneur.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-entrepreneur-at-the-wall-street-journal/
Jon Gillespie-Brown has a paperback book "So You Want To Be An Entrepreneur: How to decide if starting a business is really for you" that will also help you with your business plan.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1841128031?tag=soyouwantob05-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1841128031&adid=0GYBRPXJNK8EW07W71M2&

Twenty-five years ago today:

Thursday, March 22, 1984

Today we celebrated Barbara Reynolds' birthday (even though the official day is March 23rd). It was great fun. I left a little 'Happy Birthday' note in her incoming mail slot. I bought her a mini-birthday cake. I also selected a scarf for her at Emporium that she seemed to like. She was certainly surprised. She is too sweet. I wish I could have seen her face when she saw the card I found for her in Sonoma.

After work I called Helen Wong and we went to 'Headlines' in San Francisco. I bought a BIKE T-shirt. I couldn't resist not buying my brother John the "A Super Papa" sweatshirt.

We found our way to the 'Executive Health Spa'. I saw Stevei serving drinks. She recognized me. Helen thought she kept looking at me on occasion but I didn't notice any of that.
"You're the best-lookin' gent here," Helen whispered.
I was flattered as I was feeling the electric buzz from the triple vodka grape I had ordered. Dave Vigil made the drink for me. It found it tasty (after getting used to the flavor).

Helen and I did not dance. We both thought the band was "shitty". That's okay. We departed by 9PM and I drove Helen to her car at the BART station.

Before I knew it I was home in bed, dreaming.

Read More

Dance, Sing, Floss and Travel

Communication is complicated. Each person is raised in a different family with a different definition of every word.

Love.

Jealousy works the opposite way you want it to.

Nature wants us to be mediocre because we have a greater chance to survive and reproduce. Mediocre is as close to the bottom as it is to the top.

Be creative. Do one thing a day that scares you.

Take various vitamins. You never know what small mineral can eliminate the bottleneck of everlasting health.

Dance, sing, floss and travel.

PHOTO: During my 'clutter removal project' I found an old 1993 French magazine. This ad was rediscovered as I thumbed through the pages. I took this photo as 'creative memento'. It is so eye-fetching!

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, February 25, 1984

I actually mounted my bicycle at 7am en route to the BART station on Fruitvale Avenue and disembarked at the El Cerrito Plaza station in order to work 'overtime' at the Final Accounts Collection Center. It was a new learning experience. That department needs all the help they can get. I did my fair share.

I was starved and ate at Burger King (of all places). Ugh!

I bought Chris Cordellos a neat Birthday Card of a striking blue water scene with a surfer and a shark that was seen sneaking up atop of a wave. He will love it.

I was able to leave at 2:45pm and didn't take BART. Instead I rode my bike from El Cerrito to Alameda on side streets. I arrived home by 3:30pm.

When I arrived home at 3:30pm I took a quick drive over to mom & dad's house for a 'Saturday greeting'. I ended up bike riding again until about 5 o'clock. It was time to nap after the mental and physical activity of the day.

Helen invited me to the Hilton with her visiting friend, Sheila, but I flaked out on the invitation.

I telephoned Paloma and suggested our going out tomorrow to the International Food Show in San Francisco.

On this night I drove all by my lonesome to Wolfgang's in San Francisco. The music was great. I did not have the greatest of times. I believe it's because of the scene. I stood around most of the evening with two 'Vodka Grapes' and a BECK's beer. I asked one gal to dance because she smiled at me. Her name was Dawn from Foster City, CA. She was nineteen, tan and cute (just back from a ski trip). The best lookin' girl at the club departed early. She was lookin' at me but she was with some 'goober bearded dude'.

The worst part of the night was all the time it took to finally find a parking space. To top it off I was unable to find my car at the end of the night. Once I found it I wanted to scratch the idea of going to the International Food Show in SF tomorrow. Perhaps it would have been best to go out with a pal tonight. It might have been fun with Chris (if he were in town). This coming Thursday night should be fun when Chris does return to town.

Read More

Skip the Sugar

'A typical 12 ounce soda contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. Water has no sugar. Replacing one soda daily with water can cut 3,650 teaspoons of sugar a year from your diet. Be healthy.'
-as seen on my Arrowhead Mountain Spring water bottle this very morning

I happened to have a 'panna cotta' dessert last night. I'll be better the rest of the week.

If you want to know more about the Dangers of Sugar then read this list of the '76 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health'.
www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, January 28, 1984

On Saturday morning I awoke thinking of Helen because I spoke to her last night about her sickness and the possibilities of her having mono.

(Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensil with someone who has mono. However, mononucleosis isn't as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.)

Helen said she slept for 17 hours straight and still felt tired after she woke up.
I decided to ride my bike from Alameda to San Leandro to deliver her paycheck and W-2 form she had requested. When I arrived she was 'out of it'. I didn't stay very long and rode all the way back to my mom's house.

I had breakfast at mom's and decided to go riding along the beach when I ran into Suzy. She went inside to get her bike and we rode together for a while.

I saw Sheila and Liz after riding again (later in the day). They were so quiet. I seemed to do all of the talking. Then they decided to leave. I say 'later' to them.

I met Kim and Sonia (a couple of girls who were skating). They weren't so 'hot'. I continued to ride when I saw Nancy DeSilva and her pal, Susan. They were laying out on the beach. I decided to lay out with them for a while. It was fun. Nancy looks good in her bathing suit. I hope Nancy didn't catch me eyeing the other girl (Susan) in her leopard pattern bathing suit (or the guy laying out only in his 501 jeans...for that matter). Nancy did look the best and most eye-catching through my eyes. Am I 'HOH' (Head Over Heels) once again? Perhaps it is just infatuation right now.

I saw Michael Miller ride by while I continued riding. We exchanged a few pleasant words on the beautiful day. Finally it was time to head home. No one called me, so I went to mom's. I watched part of that 'Jealousy' movie with my folks.

Oh yes, Frank called to suggest a movie outing. I felt those 'stay at home' vibes and passed on the invitation. Besides, I didn't feel like being the usual chauffeur.

Read More

Bill Gates' Passion

"The poorer you are, the worse the impact is."
-Bill Gates

Happy Chinese New Year! It is today, January 26, 2009.

Today is also the day that Bill Gates published his first annual letter on behalf of his goals and accomplishments for The Gates Foundation.
www.gatesfoundation.org/annual-letter/Pages/2009-annual-letter-introduction.aspx

Bill Gates' twin passions are:
1. Health and Development in the poorest nations
and
2. Education in America

Page 9 of his 2009 Annual Letter gives his views of the current economic crisis:
www.gatesfoundation.org/annual-letter/Pages/2009-economic-crisis.aspx
I love that the GATES FOUNDATION provides jobs for those who want to help. I honor and believe in their cause.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 26, 1984
I was so slicked up in my new blue suit. I looked rather dashing (if I do say so myself). When I arrived at the Hyatt for the conference I wanted to sit next to Barbara Reynolds. However, Don ‘the dork’ Starkey took over and gave my hopeful seat to “Cookie”. What the hell! I sat next to Dana Mitchell and Linda Leyman (the ex-nun!). It was a fun filled day despite all of the formalities.
I was appointed team captain for my group. Most everyone applauded and loved my presentation. I am glad. I thought I got a bit ‘shaky’—for some reason. It had been a while since I was up in front of a live audience. One tends to feel that stage fright. Then when you’re in action and it all seems to be working out it makes you feel confident and more relaxed.
During the entire conference I felt good vibes about Pacific Bell. It seems I will get recognized for management eventually. I did share a few ambitious words with Nancy Guzman, so who knows. I do plan on submitting some future ideas for the company. I feel I am truly getting noticed this time. I have to devise a great strategy. I know it.
I went up and had a drink or two up at The Toppers Bar at the Hyatt afterwards. It was fun.
When I arrived home I changed into something comfortable and called Paloma at 6pm.
“So, do you still feel like the I-BEAM,” I asked Paloma per the telephone.
“Yes, of course,” she said with a tone of surprise.
“Great. I’ll be over there by 8:30 to pick you up,” I said excitedly.

I exercised a good while when Bill Helbush called ‘out of the blue’. We seemed to be chatting about ‘nothing’.
“So why haven’t you called me?” Bill finally questioned his real reason for his call.
“I’ve just been busy with work and all. Have you been to the skating rink lately?” I asked.
“Yeah, I just happened to talk to George Jones last week and the week before. We were talking about you,” he blurted, knowing I would find this interesting.
My voice was gruff, as if I had just dined on pretzel sticks. “You were?”
“Yeah, we talked about you and your hang-ups, problems and what have you,” Bill said.
“Oh really…tell me the details,” I urged.
Laughter came from his voice. “It’s something we’d have to discuss face-to-face,” he retorted.

Should I have been appalled? No. I refused to weaken. I just wonder what George may have said.
“Okay Bill, I’ll call you on Sunday Day and maybe we can get together to talk more about it,” I replied.
Besides I have Bill’s shirt to return.

Frank Vasconcellos called soon afterwards to report of his love for some girl named Laura.
“We should have a threesome,” he suggested.
Now that’s an idea with the right third party I thought.
“Tammy is still going out a lot lately,” Frank said loudly as if he was sharing a secret.
“Oh yeah,” I replied as if I were interested.
“That Bill guy tried to proposition me last Tuesday at the rink,” Frank added, “he seems overly sleazy.”
I listened with interest.
“I wonder about him. I’m afraid I might catch something from him,” Frank continued.
“It’s a possibility…I’ll say,” I laughed.

It was time to leave for Paloma when the telephone rang once more. This time it was Chris Cordellos, calling from Riverside. He called to tell me he was being admitted to USC Medical Center tomorrow. He mentioned a possible disc and splinter problems with his back. It sounded painful. I hope he gets better.

Soon I found myself driving into ‘The City’ with Paloma. The traffic congestion was frightening even though Paloma’s gasps and reactions were even more frightful. We finally reached the I-BEAM Dance club.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I-Beam_(nightclub)

Paloma and I danced non-stop. I can feel that we dance and ‘move’ well together. A few guys were giving Paloma the eye and it made me jealous. Then again I noticed some guys giving me the eye, too. Strange place…let me tell you! It had great music and such neat videos.

I felt like I was driving forever. My back was killing me, so it’s no wonder that Chris’ back is out of whack after driving from Concord to Riverside! I finally arrived in Berkeley to drop Paloma off at home only to learn that Paloma was locked out of the house! The night was over after her finale kiss.

Read More

8 Steps To Wellness

It's a little embarassing to admit but I had this poster of Suzanne Somers posted up in my bedroom around 1977-1978. Everyone had the Farrah Fawcett poster and I had to be a little different.

Just before bedtime last night I happened to catch a glimpse of Suzanne Somers as a featured guest on LARRY KING LIVE. Suzanne was promoting her new book called WELLNESS. I was curious as to how obsessed she is with her health, practicing all of these nouveau techniques to live longer and be healthier. She even has a major website promoting all of her ideal products for living.
http://suzannesomers.com/
I was interested to hear that she has interviewed many respected doctors and that if you were to take only three vitamins she highly recommends:
1. Omega 3 FISH OIL gel capsules
2. Coenzyme Q-10: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenzyme_Q10/
3. Anti-oxidant vitamins (Vitamin C or E)

It's clear to me she's had some facial lift/cosmetic help which I don't see as proper graceful aging. You can decide for yourself. I am not saying she is the authority on medicine but some of what she says does make sense. Per the LARRY KING interview and some online research I learned that her new book guides you through 8 Steps to Wellness. These are the steps:

1. BHRT-Hormone replacement treatments (costly treatment with scientific studies that suggest some serious side effects)
2. DETOXIFICATION (by resting organs through fasting; stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body; promoting elimination throught the intestines, kidneys and skin; improving circulation of one's blood; refueling your body with nutrients)
3. SERIOUS NUTRITION (eliminate products from your life: alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats; these all prevent your body's natural healing)
4. GI TRACT ATTENTION (the gastrointestinal tract is often overlooked and your digestion requires you to remember to chew everything thoroughly)
5. AVOID PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS (only when absolutely necessary should you take pharmaceutical drugs as they contain toxins that speed the aging process)
6. WATCH YOUR DIET (regulate your intake of fat, sodium, sugar, cholesterol)
7. EXERCISE
8. SLEEP (ideally 8 hours per night)

I beleive some of her steps are worth taking a look at. She is not one that I seriously thought to admire, but her recent interview impressed me based on her passion of what she has learned. I mean...we all know that diet, exercise and sleep are important to one's living healthy. It's the first five steps that are worthy of reexamination. It's your call...watch this video to hear her:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zx5GjLE6SI

Twenty-five years ago

December 21, 1983
Work was fine today. I shared breakfast with Salima and made a date for next Thursday night with Helen Wong to see Alfred Hitchcock's NORTH BY NORTHWEST.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRfmTpmIUwo
I called Nici Maurino and verified our date to see SILKWOOD.

Nici came over to my pad. I drove to Hayward, CA and we saw the new Meryl Streep, Cher film, SILKWOOD. It was good, but sad. After the movie Nici and I ended up arguing. She said that she has learned that people simply will NOT get involved to help another person out. I disagreed with her completely. I told her that it really depended on the situation. She got all riled up and it ruined our evening.

I chose not to enter the LYON'S RESTAURANT with her because she was walking in front of me.
"You can never be wrong, can you?" I shouted.
"No," she said in her serious bitchy tone.
She was being such a bitch that I walked back to my car. She attempted to smoke in my car. At that point I started the engine and headed home. As I was driving we barely said two words to one another. When I drove up to my garage she got out of the car and ran to over to her run-down Volkswagen. It was her loss, not mine.

She had the nerve to say that I didn't have manners because I told her to open her door (when I simply wanted to use the automatic switch to lock the door). I know damn well that I am the only guy she's ever dated with more polite manners than she's ever known. What a bitch!

Once I was inside I watched an episode of DYNASTY on tape.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcdhdzfbR_o
Bill Helbush called and we talked about our days. He said he would have to greet his brother at the airport tomorrow. He suggested getting together for dinner or something--I think. He promised he'd call to arrange it. Now it's time for bed. My car needs a filling up of gas and my hair needs a good washing in the morning.

Read More

The Benefits of Tomatoes

I was in the car with Alan yesterday when we heard that eating tomatoes tend to make one look more beautiful. I laughed because my choice beverage on airline flights is tomato juice. Apparently, there is a magical component in tomatoes that research is beginning to show could protect our skin from UV damage from sunburn. It’s called lycopene and it is a very effective antioxidant. About 85% of lycopene in the western diet is obtained ONLY from tomatoes and the best place to find it is in tomato paste.

Cancers such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and cancers of the stomach, mouth, pharynx, and esophagus have all been proven to be staved off by high levels of Lycopene.

Tomatoes are loaded with all kinds of health benefits for the body. Tomatoes are by far the healthiest of the fruits and vegetables with the power to ward off some of the worst known diseases to man. Be sure to get your fair share!

This morning Alan clipped the Los Angeles times horoscope for me to read. For all of you GEMINI people:

'When you say the name of your loved one, do it only in a loving way.
The utterance of those words can cast a magic spell today, as your attention is all this person craves.'

Hmmm...I guess it was meant for Alan to hand me this one. Too funny.

Twenty-five years ago today:

December 16, 1983
Oakland, California

Work was fun once again but Salima was not at work today. It was Beth's last day as she accepted a new job transfer. Many people brought her going away gifts. She will be missed. She is happy (and sad). I am sure. I saw her cry today. It must be an emotional time.

After work I couldn't get into the mood of working out at the gym. I chose to go to San Francisco to check out the Rathskellum joint that QUAKE-FM99 radio keeps advertising for Friday nights. I foolishly arrived too early and it was a dead scene. I left and walked around the city until I found myself in a little museum near Jones Street that was showing some erotic video flick of a fat police officer undressing to reveal a young, blond stripper. It was really bad entertainment. I chose to move on and simply go home, chalking it up as a dud Friday night.

The line at Jack-In-The-Box was too long so I cancelled my craving for a vanilla milkshake. I showered and immediately fell asleep. When Bill called during the start of a dream I answered the phone groggily. I think he said he'd call back in the morning.

Oh yea! Sue asked if I would like to RD (Research and Develop) as assistant manager in the office today. I said, "Sure". I will be conducting our section meeting Monday too. This should be interesting.

Read More